Domestic Violence: Getting a Protective Order

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Domestic Violence: Getting a Protective Order

Topic Overview

Call your local advocacy group or your local
district or state attorney's office, or tell the police you want to get one.
You may be able to get an emergency protective order
immediately.

For a temporary protective order, you will probably
have to see a family court judge. Tell the judge about times you have been
threatened with violence or have suffered abuse. List any witnesses, including
police officers, who may help your case.

Show the judge any
evidence of physical abuse, such as photos of bruises, injuries, or damaged
property.

Tell the judge about any prior arrests the abuser has
had, or obtain the arrest reports. You may be able to get these from the police
department or sheriff's office in the community where past abuse occurred.

To be eligible for a protective order, you and the other
party must fit into at least one of the following categories:

Married, or formerly married

Related
by blood, marriage, or adoption

Currently living together or must
have formerly lived together

Currently or formerly in a dating
relationship

The parents in common of minor children

For a protective order to work effectively, you must:

Inform the court of your specific safety needs,
including when you are at work, those of your children, and any other
particular circumstances.

If you travel to another state, check to see whether your
protective order is valid in that state. Protective orders are valid across
some state lines. Protective orders remain in effect until they are removed by
the court, even if the victim consents to contact with the abuser.

Your local domestic violence program or a qualified attorney can help you
get a protective order. To find the nearest program offering legal support, see
the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's website at
www.ncadv.org/resources/StateCoalitionList.php. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) can also provide you with contacts.

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